Parents Television Council Targets Paris Hilton Commercial

LOS ANGELES – Angered by what critics are calling "softcore porn," the Parents Television Council has launched a campaign to stop the continued airing of a Carl's Jr. ad in which celebrity Paris Hilton eats a burger in a bathing suit while hosing down a Bentley.

The controversial ad sparked a backlash from the PTC when CKE Restaurant's Carl's Jr. chain announced plans to air the second half of the campaign in the Midwest and Southeast, this time advertising the Spicy BBQ Thickburger for the company's St. Louis-based Hardee's chain.

The commercial's initial airing began in the West Coast and caught immediate mass media attention for its racy and suggestive overtones. Almost overnight, issues surrounding free speech and the commercialization of pornography became hot topics of discussion.

CKE patently denied that the commercial was intended to be pornographic and said that it intentionally chose Hilton because of her reputation as an heiress, actress and model. However, Hilton is best known for her starring role in a celebrity sex tape along with former boyfriend Rick Solomon.

CKE even launched an accompanying website for the commercial, SpicyParis.com, which crashed within days of the commercial's airing from overuse.

But the PTC and other family groups have lobbied aggressively to have the 30-second spot taken off the air.

"Our group's position is that this company [CKE] ought to be ashamed of itself," Brent Bozel, a representative for PTC, said.

Backing its protest, the PTC has launched a website featuring a complaint form letter addressed to CKE. The PTC claims on its website that CKE is currently blocking emails sent from the complaint site and that protesters need to email the letter back to themselves and change the wording in the subject line before mailing it to CEO Andy Puzder at CKE's corporate headquarters in Carpinteria, Calif.

The PTC letter states that CKE has "explicitly defended adult erotica sex-play" by featuring Hilton, all in an attempt to profit from the sale of hamburgers.

On a separate occasion, Puzder said of those who find the commercial offensive, "Get a life."

The PTC responded by saying, "I suggest, Mr. Puzder, that you need to get a conscience. If you want to have any hope of any member of my family ever being a customer of Carl's Jr. or Hardee's, Mr. Puzder – take this commercial off the air immediately."

CKE has not yet released results on the success of the ad campaign, which will begin airing outside the West Coast the week of June 27 at 9 p.m.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Beca Barbie Makes Her Hookup Hotshot Debut

Beca Barbie has made her debut for Hookup Hotshot alongside Nade Nasty.

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Website Launches With Call for Speakers

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the website for its annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam, is now live.

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult, Could Face Override

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

Valerica Steele Headlines Jonni Darkko's 'DVP Sluts'

Valerica Steele toplines director Jonni Darkko’s “DVP Sluts,” from Evil Angel.

Michael Ninn Returns With 'Catherine' Sequel Made Entirely by AI

Veteran filmmaker Michael Ninn, though retired from the adult business for the past 10 years, recently unveiled a new episodic project titled "Catherine II: The Series," which serves as a sequel to his 2005 adult film "Catherine."

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Alison Rey Stars in Latest From New Sensations

Alison Rey stars with Isiah Maxwell in the latest release from New Sensations.

FSC Unpacks SCOTUS Age Verification Ruling in Webinar

The Free Speech Coalition conducted a public webinar Tuesday to help adult industry stakeholders understand the Supreme Court’s recent decision in FSC v. Paxton, and its potential implications.

Bad Bella Fronts Latest From MYLF

Bad Bella stars with Hayden Wild in the latest release from MYLF.

Abella Danger Opens Up Like Never Before in X3 Magazine

Powerhouse star Abella Danger lights up the latest issue of X3 magazine, the industry’s premier “authenticity first” publication spotlighting the real personalities, passions, and stories behind today’s top creators.

Show More